Sgm. Charles Lester Petry

SGM. Charles Lester Petry
September 19, 1926 - April 19, 2018
Myrtle Beach
SGM. Charles Lester Petry, age 92, passed away Thursday, April 19 at 2018 at Embrace Hospice House surrounded by his family.
Born September 19, 1926 in Westminster, MD, he was the son of the late Howard and Lillie Mae Dutter Petry. He attended elementary school and high school in Westminster. At the age of 17 he volunteered for service and retired as a Sgt. Major. Mr. Petry proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII and in the Army Green Beret during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, three campaign ribbons as well as other rewards and citations. After retirement he served eight years for the agency International Development, followed by fifteen years with the Pennsylvania State Capital Police. Mr. Petry was a member of the Special Forces and Special Operations Association. He was also a member of Elks of Myrtle Beach. Along with his parents, Mr. Petry was predeceased by his sisters, Doris Sherman and Betty Kress.
Surviving are his wife, Thuy Petry of Myrtle Beach, SC; son, Rickey Dale Petry (Darla) of Austin, TX; Two daughters, Lynn D. Combs of Williamsburg, VA and Diem T. Keane (Donald) of Harrisburg, PA; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister Mary C. Nunemakeer.
Graveside Service with Military honors will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org
Please sign an online guestbook at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of arrangements.